Five horizontal blue and white stripes of equal width make up the flag of Cuba. A red horizontal triangle pointing toward the center is secured at the left side of the banner. Centered in the red triangle is a white five point star. Adopted in 1902, the blue stripes at the top, middle, and bottom refer to the three old divisions of the island; the two white stripes represent the strength of the independent ideal. The red triangle symbolizes equality, fraternity and freedom - the white star symbolizes freedom.